Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck surgery ( abdominoplasty ) achieves a smoother, firmer abdomen in both women and men by the surgical removal of excess fat and skin and tightening of the muscles in the target areas that have been stretched out after dramatic weight loss or pregnancy.

Usually exercise alone will not be sufficient in eliminating the laxity of the stomach wall that occurs after pregnancy or weight loss since it’s the now stretched connective tissue between the muscles that causes the problem.

Who Are The Best Candidates for Tummy Tuck?

Since tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, patients who are at or near their ideal weight with an excess of fat and skin in the lower abdomen are usually good candidates for Tummy Tuck surgery. Same as any cosmetic surgery procedure, you must be in good general health and have realistic expectations.

How is Tummy Tuck Performed?

The surgeon will discuss the procedure with you in detail and explain how it will be performed and how you must prepare for the surgery. Abdominoplasty is done under general anesthesia. It consists of an incision just above your pubic area and also around your belly button. The shape and length of the incision depends on the amount of tissue and skin to be removed. Once the incisions are made, the abdominal skin is lifted and pulled together and the weakened connective tissues are repaired.

Liposuction is sometimes done in combination with tummy tuck to achieve better definition around your waist and abdomen. The procedure usually takes about 2 hours.

Recovery After Tummy Tuck

Most patients need between three to four weeks off work or school for initial recovery. Pain is usually quite mild and easily managed with simple prescription pain medications. Patients can usually shower after 48 hours following the surgery. There will be 2 drains, the first of which is typically removed in the clinic around 10 days after surgery. The second drain is taken out around 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. You will be required to wear an abdominal compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks to provide support and compression during recovery. Some patients prefer spanx type garments after the first 2-3 weeks as most of the swelling subsides. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided within the first month.

Final results of a tummy tuck procedure are usually not apparent until at least 6 months after surgery because it takes around 6 months at least for the swelling to go away completely and the scar to become less visible.